Signs and symptoms

1. Summary

PHPPHP - primary hyperparathyroidism causes abnormally high blood calcium levels mainly be "stealing" calcium from the bones. Every cell and organ in the body uses calcium as a signal to regulate their normal function. Therefore, it is crucial that calcium levels are tightly controlled. Abnormally high blood calcium levels can damage every organ in the body gradually over time. In the past, generations of doctors learned the classic symptoms of PHP through the saying "bones, stones, and groans" which represented weakened bones, kidney stones, and abdominal pain. In addition, many patients also had "psychic moans and fatigue overtones" which indicated mood disturbances and fatigue. In extreme cases of severe elevations of blood calcium levels called "hypercalcemic crisis," patients may present in comatose or near-comatose states with organ failure. However, today most patients are diagnosed through routine blood testing or screening for osteoporosis and many patients have only vague, non-specific symptoms.